Tavish launches LibDem manifesto

FIGHTING centralisation, tackling the housing shortage, restoring the Air Discount Scheme for business travellers and improving rural broadband are the main planks of Liberal Democrat candidate Tavish Scott’s campaign for re-election in Shetland on 5 May.

After launching the Scottish Liberal Democrat manifesto as party leader, Mr Scott said his party’s policies were realistic and included several of direct relevance to the islands.

“The shortage of affordable housing remains an important issue. Despite the sterling efforts of the Hjaltland Housing Association and of the council we still need more affordable homes. I have made sure that our manifesto includes new funding for social housing. I want to make sure Shetland gets its rightful share of this,” he said.

“As the impact of the SNP cuts to the Air Discount Scheme starts to bite on businesses, public bodies and the voluntary sector, I commit to restoring the scheme so that business travel is once again covered.

“Our commitment to provide funding to help to get superfast broadband to places which the market cannot reach is also a key policy with the potential to bring real benefits to homes and businesses. I want to see this funding being used to help Shetland Broadband deliver broadband across the isles.

“Our policies for the local delivery of services are particularly relevant in the islands where the potential for the other party’s centralising agenda to damage vital services is greatest. Whether it is our fire and police services, or even social care, only the Scottish Liberal Democrats can be relied upon to oppose Central Belt centralisation.”